As they drew near, the stranger arose, and fixed a grim look upon Richard, who was a little in advance.
"It is the abbot's ghost!" cried Nicholas, stopping, and detaining his cousin.

"You shall not address it." During the contention that ensued, the monk glided towards a side-door at the upper end of the hall, and passed through it.

So general was the consternation, that no one attempted to stay him, nor would any one follow to see whither he went.

Released, at length, from the strong grasp of the squire, Richard rushed forth, and not returning, Nicholas, after the lapse of a few minutes, went in search of him, but came back presently, and told the old steward he could neither find him nor the monk.
"Master Richard will be back anon, I dare say, Adam," he remarked; "if not, I will make further search for him; but you had better not mention this mysterious occurrence to Sir Ralph, at all events not until the festivities are over, and the ladies have retired.

It might disturb them.